Twenty years ago the Glen Innes community rallied strongly against the introduction of SEPP46 that was the precursor to the Native Vegetation Act.
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I attended a meeting at the RSL when Minister Kim Yeadon came to explain the new regulations. Nearly 400 farmers, their families and community people attended. It was a robust event and farmers firmly told the Minister how unfair and unworkable the new rules were.
Over the next two decades the Glen Innes Branch of NSW Farmers has been at the forefront in revising this legislation. It was the start of my political interest and I nominated this Act in my Maiden Speech in 2011 as one that had to be overhauled because of its inequities and poor environmental outcomes.
Finally in 2016, the new Biodiversity Conservation Act was passed. I believe it strikes a far better balance of practical rules for farmers; significant public investment in conservation while protecting important environmental areas.
2016 has seen a continued strong emphasis on financial management by the Baird Government. Net government debt is almost zero. There is over $73 billion of infrastructure investment over the next four years; spending on all key public services is increasing and Treasurer Berejiklian is maintaining budget surpluses.
NSW is outperforming all other states by a significant margin. I believe my colleagues are ensuring country communities are receiving their fair share of funding and infrastructure commitments.
The state government can undertake its responsibilities, but it is the local organisations and businesses that make the Glen Innes region a success.
I would like to acknowledge all those leaders and quiet volunteers who get on with the work of ensuring Glen Innes is a safe and attractive place to work and live. Our emergency services including police, ambulance, firies, SES, nurses, doctors, Council staff, Hospital Auxiliary, Rotary, Lions and countless others are the backbone of a wonderful community.
I have had the opportunity to travel to North America this year. Travel is always a good reminder of how fortunate we are to live in Australia, particularly regional Australia.
Aileen and I would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and holiday season.
- Scot MacDonald MLC – Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter and Central Coast